Mary Jean Bruce, a six-year winter resident of Lakeside, died in a Guadalajara hospital on January 15 at the age of 69.
Born January 28, 1943 in Cornwell, Ontario, Bruce grew up in the eastern part of that province.
She obtained her teaching certificate in Ottawa and took university courses at night. Her first teaching position was a one-room schoolhouse in eastern Ontario.
Bruce married a high school friend who worked with one of the major Canadian banks. He was transferred to Toronto where Mary was hired by the Etobicoke Public School Board and worked as an elementary school teacher specializing in art. She was promoted to vice-principal and soon after applied for and landed a position as an executive assistant at the Federation of Women Teachers Associations of Ontario. Bruce retired when the organization amalgamated and became the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario.
Bruce’s passion was art in all media and people of all nations. Her most outstanding characteristic was the value she placed on the differences between people. After her retirement she divided her time between three residences in Ontario and Mexico, each of which was “home” when she was there.
Bruce surrounded herself with people who needed or appreciated her vitality, her genuine caring nature, her wit and her intellect. She gave generously of her time, her talent and her boundless energy.
During her visits at Lakeside, Bruce produced graphic designs for advertisements, programs and flyers for Lakeside Little Theatre, the Lake Chapala Society, VIVA! La Musica and various restaurants. She had many friends at Lakeside and will be sorely missed.
Bruce is survived by her sister Ruth Wilton of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, her brother Robert Smirle of Milton, Ontario, her sister-in-law, Lesley Smirle of Ottawa, Ontario, “adopted” daughter Kate Sharkey of British Columbia and “adopted” son Robert De Lard.
She was predeceased by her brother, John Smirle and her parents, Cyril and Dorothy Smirle. Close friends Kerry Donnelly of Mississagua, Ontario and Vivian Michel and Erika Gomez Michel of Ajijic will surely miss her.
A memorial celebration will be held on Saturday, February 9, 12:30 p.m. at the El Parque clubhouse. Please RSVP to Vivian Michel at 766-5334.
If desired, memorial donations will be appreciated for Hope House, Mexico (www.casahogarmexico.com) or to Women’s Habitat Etobicoke (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).